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Senior Database Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Senior Database Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD ยท On-site

$108K - $147K/yr

As a Senior Database Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of complex database systems that drive mission success, ensuring security, efficiency, and scalability across ...

Senior Database Engineer

Vienna, VA

$106K - $144K/yr

Summary Senior Database Engineer Vienna, VA Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your career in a rapidly evolving business climate? Are you looking for a career where professional ...

Senior Database Engineer

Vienna, VA ยท On-site

$106K - $144K/yr

Req ID: 40524 Summary Senior Database Engineer Vienna, VA Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your career in a rapidly evolving business climate? Are you looking for a career where ...

Senior Database Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$109K - $148K/yr

Platinum Technologies is a Senior Database Engineer to join our team. In this position you will design, develop, implement, and maintain the database infrastructure supporting Object-Based ...

Senior Database Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$150 - $190/hr

Platinum Technologies is a Senior Database Engineer to join our team. In this position you will design, develop, implement, and maintain the database infrastructure supporting Object-Based ...

Senior Database Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$109K - $148K/yr

Platinum Technologies is a Senior Database Engineer to join our team. In this position you will design, develop, implement, and maintain the database infrastructure supporting Object-Based ...

Senior Database Engineer

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$105K - $200K/yr

Belay Technologies is seeking a Senior Database Engineer to join our intel team. The perfect candidate will have Extensive experience with installation and patching associated with Oracle Database ...

Senior Database Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD ยท On-site

$116K - $158K/yr

Learn more at www.clearedgeit.com/careers/ Your Mission As a Senior Database Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of complex database systems that drive mission success.

Sr. Database Engineer (MongoDB)

Linthicum, MD ยท On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

We are hiring a Sr. Database Engineer (MongoDB or MariaDB) to work in Linthicum Heights, MD . Position location is subject to change based on central MD client's needs. Required: TS/SCI with a ...

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Senior Database Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$91.7K

$143K

$198.1K

How much do senior database engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior database engineer in Washington, DC is $143,026.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges senior database engineers face when managing large-scale databases, and how are they typically addressed?

Senior Database Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring database performance under heavy loads, maintaining data integrity during migrations, and optimizing queries for efficiency. Addressing these issues usually involves proactive monitoring, implementing indexing strategies, and collaborating closely with development teams to design scalable database schemas. Regularly updating skills to keep up with new database technologies and security best practices is also essential for tackling these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Senior Database Engineer vs Database Administrator?

AspectSenior Database EngineerDatabase Administrator
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing database systemsMaintaining, backing up, and securing databases
Skills & CertificationsSQL, database architecture, performance tuning, certifications like Oracle or Microsoft SQL ServerDatabase management, backup/recovery, security, certifications like Oracle DBA or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, data engineering projects, system designOperational teams, system maintenance, troubleshooting
Industry UsageUsed across tech, finance, healthcare for database developmentCommon in enterprise IT, government, and large organizations for database upkeep

While both roles work closely with databases, a Senior Database Engineer primarily focuses on designing and optimizing database systems, whereas a Database Administrator handles daily maintenance, security, and backups. The roles complement each other but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior database engineer, and why are they important?

A Senior Database Engineer needs advanced knowledge of database architecture, SQL, performance tuning, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise in tools like Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, database clustering, and relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate are typical requirements. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help them excel in managing complex data environments and collaborating with development teams. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring robust, scalable, and secure data solutions that meet organizational needs.

What is a senior database engineer?

A Senior Database Engineer is an experienced IT professional responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing database systems within an organization. They ensure databases are secure, reliable, and perform efficiently to meet business needs. Senior Database Engineers often lead projects, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with developers and system administrators to support data-driven applications. Their expertise is crucial for data integrity, scalability, and disaster recovery planning.
What are the most commonly searched types of Database Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Database Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Database Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Senior Database Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Database Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Database Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Senior Database Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,026 per year, or $68.8 per hour.

Senior Database Engineer

EMP Trust HR Solutions

Gaithersburg, MD โ€ข On-site

$114K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
EMP Trust HR Solutions is seeking a Senior Database Engineer with profound knowledge in database development and architecture. The role involves working with large databases, implementing logic, and ensuring the security and functionality of RDBMS.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Profound knowledge as Database Developer/ Database Architect with experience in working with large databases.
โ€ข Expert knowledge in T-SQL and Microsoft SQL-Server 2012 / 2014.
โ€ข Ideally you will have experience in object oriented software development with C#.NET and the design of software in the database environment.
โ€ข Ability to understand the functionality of RDBMS, Capability to build real-time and highly secure DB, Implementation of logic (using Procedures, functions etc).
โ€ข Good working experience with Visual Studio, SSDT, TFS and SQL Server Management Studio.
โ€ข Database Cloud hosting.
Qualifications:
Required:
โ€ข Profound knowledge as Database Developer/ Database Architect with experience in working with large databases
โ€ข Expert knowledge in T-SQL and Microsoft SQL-Server 2012 / 2014
โ€ข Ability to understand the functionality of RDBMS
โ€ข Capability to build real-time and highly secure DB
โ€ข Implementation of logic (using Procedures, functions etc)
โ€ข Good working experience with Visual Studio, SSDT, TFS and SQL Server Management Studio
Preferred:
โ€ข Experience in object oriented software development with C#.NET
โ€ข Design of software in the database environment
โ€ข Database Cloud hosting
Company:
For over a decade, EMP Trust HR has been on a mission to simplify workforce management and compliance. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in Gaithersburg, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.